Beneteau First 26 vs Helmsman 26
How do the Beneteau First 26 and Helmsman 26 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Beneteau First 26 
Helmsman 26 | Beneteau First 26 | Helmsman 26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.3 ft8.02 m | 26.3 ft8.02 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.98 m | 20.7 ft6.30 m |
| Beam | 9.2 ft2.80 m | 9.2 ft2.80 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.31 m | 4.9 ft1.48 m |
| Displacement | 4,814 lb2,184 kg | 4,630 lb2,100 kg |
| Ballast | 1,455 lb660 kg | 1,764 lb800 kg |
| Sail area | 291 ft²27.0 m² | 409 ft²38.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.33 | 23.56 |
| Displacement / Length | 179 | 234 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 16.7 |
| Capsize screening | 2.18 | 2.21 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 6.1 |
| Average used price | — | €7,200 |
Beneteau First 26 vs Helmsman 26: the short version
- The Beneteau First 26 and Helmsman 26 are close in length (26.3 ft8.02 m vs 26.3 ft8.02 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Helmsman 26 carries the more powerful rig (23.6 vs 16.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Helmsman 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Beneteau First 26 rates better for offshore work (2.18 vs 2.21).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.